Where is the Fair?

The Jefferson County Fair is located at 4709 Landes Street in the North Beach neighborhood of Port Townsend.

What is there to do at Fair?

Every building has events that happen over the three days of Fair. Check the gate schedule for these all day events as well as planned demonstrations, animal shows, entertainment, and other educational opportunities.

Who exhibits and performs at fair?

All of Jefferson County residents are invited to exhibit in fair. Each year in May our Premium Book - the list of what categories folks can exhibit in is published. There are 3 categories folks can enter in - 4-H and FFA which are exclusive to members of those youth programs, and Open Class where all can enter. Neighboring Counties are also invited to participate as space allows with our local youth taking priority. Performers are selected by the Fair Committee who meet year round to plan the fair. If you are interested in being a performer reach out to fair.manager@jeffcofairgrounds.org

When is Fair and how many people attend?

Mark your calendar for the Second Friday in August. We typically see about 15,000 visitors to the Jefferson County Fair over the course of 3 days. 

Where is there parking?

Fair Parking is available through the Red Gate off of 49th St. Accessible parking is available - let parking attendants know of your need and they will direct you to these spaces.

What are the rules for Bags, Backpacks, and Strollers?

Bags, Backpacks and Strollers are welcome - they may not be allowed in certain areas of animal exhibits for the health and safety of our exhibitors. Please look for signs.

How do I get tickets?

Tickets can be purchased ahead of time on the fair website - there is an early bird discount that ends August 13th. Tickets are also available at the Ticket Booth on the days of Fair. All our volunteers, vendors, sponsors, exhibitors and entertainment get complementary tickets as a part of their check in process.

LINK TO TICKET SITE

What do ticket sales pay for?

Your ticket pays for the Fair Entertainment - Draft Horse Pulls, Music, Kids Activities, and professional services that are required to keep Fair SAFE AND FUN!

Do you have Baby Changing Stations?

We have baby changing stations located in the Yesteryear Building. 

How can I get there without a car?

Enjoy a relaxing ride on a Jefferson Transit bus from the Haines Place Park and Ride to the Corner of Admiralty and San Juan Avenue. The Yellow Fair Gate is a two block walk down  - Our Yellow gate is Bike and Walk in only. All motorized vehicles must enter through the Red Gate. LINK TO BUS SCHEDULE

How can I pay for things at Fair?

For your convenience, an ATM will be available outside of the Fairgrounds Office in the Erickson Building.

What are the Fair Rules?

For the health and safety of our visitors and animals, no pets are allowed. Please also refrain from eating in all animal barns and be sure to wash hand thoroughly with soap and water after coming in contact with any animals.

Service Animals are permitted - but they are not allowed into animal barns to protect the health and safety of exhibitors.

Outside food and drink (no alcohol) is permitted inside the fairgrounds. Please do not bring glass containers.

Are there rules for Photography and Videography during Fair?

You may take pictures and videos during Fair - we ask you to be respectful of folks who are the subject matter and ask permission. Professional Photographers and Videographers must check in at the Fairgrounds Office for an official Press Pass.

How do you keep animals and people safe from illness?

All animals are inspected by a veterinarian before being exhibited at Fair. We follow guidelines from the Washington State Department of Agriculture and our Local Public Health Department to minimize risk to humans and other animals. Most species are kept in separate barns to maintain good biosecurity and animal welfare.

What happens when there is an emergency?

In case of an emergency, please remain calm and listen for official instruction. Our local law enforcement and first responders are a part of Fair, and in coordination with Fair Staff will direct the emergency response. If you witness suspicious or unlawful activity, please contact the Fair Office so the situation can be properly addressed. If you see something, say something!

Where is the First Aid Station?

Jefferson Healthcare as a Sponsor provides a First Aid Station - located in booth 1 in Fair Square. You can also visit the Fairgrounds Office and Community Hub to get support with First Aid.

Where is the lost and found?

Lost and found items may be taken to and picked up from the Fairgrounds Office. Articles are held 60 days post Fair. Questions? Call 360-385-1013. 

What do we do if someone is lost?

Lost children and fairgoers should be directed to the Fairgrounds Office. Fair Staff will radio all building superintendents to notify them that a lost Fairgoers has been found. Folks  are watched over until they are reunited with their families. This process is applicable for guests of all ages.

Prohibited Items - Items not permitted in the Fairgrounds shall include:

• Illegal items that are illegal at the city, county, state and federal level and are, therefore, prohibited in the Fairgrounds (e.g., explosives, narcotics, or drug paraphernalia);

• Outside alcohol, knives greater than 3.5" long, nunchucks, concealed weapons, pepper spray containers, air horns, glass bottles, etc.;

• Suspicious items or uniqueness of item (e.g., large roll of wire, large quantity of batteries, a screwdriver, alarm clock, odd smelling items, large amount of merchandise from a sporting goods store, disassembled gun parts, etc.)

• alcoholic beverages, marijuana and illegal drugs

• Animals except service animals performing a task.

• Bicycles, skateboards, scooters

• Drones

• Explosives/fireworks

• Glass containers

• Laser pointers

• pepper spray

• Tasers

• Toy guns or knives

• Weapons of any kind

Drones

Drones are prohibited on the Fairgrounds unless approved by Fair Staff.

What are the rules for Smoking, Vaping, Tobacco and Marijuana use?

We are a Clean Air Fair! For the health and safety of the many visitors and children that attend our annual Fair, no smoking, vaping, or use of tobacco is allowed on the Fairgrounds at any time, except in the designated red smoking tents. Marijuana use is prohibited at all times on Fairground property.

What are the Unaccompanied Child guidelines?

We recommend that children 1-13 are accompanied by an adult and children 14-15 have an adult nearby on the fairgrounds. Youth 16+ can be unaccompanied at the fair.

JEFFERSON COUNTY FAIR CHILD SAFETY CHECKLIST:

The Jefferson County Fair is expanding our focus on child safety by providing some suggestions we hope that will help parents be proactive, to take steps before they leave home for a day at the fair.

We know that searching for a lost child in a crowd of thousands is one of the most terrifying experiences a family can experience. The Fair has exceptional safeguards and supports in place including providing a “Lost Child Booth” where you can pick up free ID wristbands to help identify your child. We  have highly trained superintendents in each of our buildings who are in direct contact with our Fair Office and Lost Child Booth. Law enforcement and security personnel are present throughout the grounds to help us provide a family friendly event but this is not enough we need your help. Helping parents and guardians prepare for a kid-safe, worry-free outing to the Fair is at the heart of the “before you leave home checklist” that we have developed to support families participating in our Fair.

Please review the checklist and let us know if you have any questions, suggestions or would like to be involved with keeping children safe during the fair.

Keep Your Child Safe at the Fair – Before you Leave Home Checklist
Fewer Worries = More Fun

1.  Keep Photos on Your Phone & Get Our Free ID Bracelets
   
   Take a close-up photo of your child and a photo of the two of you together and store them on your phone. • Make a mental note of what your child is wearing and who they’re with. • NEVER have your child’s name displayed on clothing or backpacks. • Get a free ID bracelet for your child at the fairgrounds Office.

2.  Know the Fair’s Safe Places & Safe People
   
   Get a map (PDF) immediately upon entering the fair and locate the Fair Office.

•  Talk with your child about who to ask for help – fair staff, police or fair security.

•  Be sure your child knows to not search for you on their own and not to leave the fairgrounds under any circumstances.

•  Program your child’s cell phone with key contact numbers.

•  Tell you child it’s OK to call 911 if they get separated from you.

3.  Supervise, Supervise, Supervise. Adult supervision is required for children under 12 years old.

•  Never leave a child alone.

•  Older children should stay in groups and use the buddy system.

4.  Accompany Your Child to the Restroom. Never let your child enter or stay in the restroom alone. The Events Center has family restrooms that allow you to accompany your child.

•  Older children should use the buddy system when using the restroom.

5.  Make Tracking Your Child Easy. Dress your child in bright clothing so they’re easy to see in crowded areas.

•  Avoid becoming separated: walk at a comfortable pace - never leave a procrastinating child behind.

•  Hold your child’s hand; place small children in strollers.

6.  Make Contacting You Easy. Make sure your child knows their full name and phone number. Have them practice both saying it out loud and writing it down.

•  Write your phone number on a small slip of paper and tuck it in your child’s pocket.

7.  Be Clear, Be Firm & Practice Together. Children begin to understand appropriate public behavior by age two or three.

•  Lead by example.

•  Be firm with your rules, and have your child repeat them back to you.

•  Reinforce stranger danger rules, and role play strategies for safety.

•  Playing Red Light, Green Light is a fun way to practice following directions before distractions begin.

8.  Stay Together in Parking Lots. Never allow your child to walk or run ahead of you in parking lots. • Hold your child's hand firmly and be alert when walking in a parking lot.

•  Remember that even though you and your child can see a vehicle, the driver may not be able to see you.

9.  Have Open, Trust-Building Conversations. Encourage your child to talk with you about any situation that makes them feel uncomfortable. Listen and take them seriously. Report any concern immediately.